Central Michigan University

CMU recognizes April's top volunteers

Thursday, May 15, 2008

Topics in this story: Awards, Office of Student Life, Public service, Volunteer Center

As part of its continuing commitment to celebrating the contributions of volunteers across campus, Central Michigan University's Volunteer Center has announced the April recipients of its Volunteers are Central honors.

Since fall 2006, the program has honored students, faculty or staff members, and departments or organizations each month. The April 2008 recipients are:

• A group of nine special education students: Chad Gurzick, Troy senior; Richard Hinger, Farmington Hills senior; Jillian Johnson, Novi senior; Rachel Majewski, Grosse Ile senior; Karyn Newton, Charlotte senior; Amanda Person, Dimondale senior; Jeanine Pica, Oakland junior; Brian Shanahan, Flint senior; and Lauren Silberhorn, Charlevoix senior.

  After listening to Anne Miller talk about her experience as a parent of an autistic child, students in Joan Hogan's class were amazed.

  "I'll never forget that night," said Hogan, a CMU counseling and special education instructor. "I asked the students, 'Now, what, as teachers, do we do about something like this, for a family who has not asked for help?' Their answer blew me away."

  After thinking about it, the students came back with a list of ways to help out Miller's son Scott, 16, whose autism is a symptom of a syndrome called Bannayan Zonona. Recruiting some students from faculty member Patricia Kopetz's class on autism was the first step; then the students regularly met with Scott, providing activities and giving his parents some time to themselves. The students plan to continue helping the Millers throughout the summer and fall.

  "That is the beauty of these students; that is the beauty of CMU," Hogan said.

• Michael Knight, a sophomore at CMU, participates in plays at the Broadway Theatre in downtown Mount Pleasant. In the past he performed in "Lend Me a Tenor," and recently he played the lead role, Lt. JAG Daniel Kaffee, in the production of "A Few Good Men." Knight also is involved in the One-Act Festival committee at the Broadway.

  He was described as a "good, helpful and enthusiastic student," by his nominator.

• Candace Wixson, specialist clerk in the counseling and special education department, has spent time volunteering with many organizations, including the American Cancer Society. Over time, she has helped the ACS with fundraising, advertising and organization of events. She also has served as an executive volunteer staff member and has participated in the Relay for Life walk.

  Other organizations Wixson has served include: Community Cancer Services of Isabella County, Toys for Tots, Hospice of Central Michigan, the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America, Miss America Organization, Children's Miracle Network, and charities that help local families.

  "People do not realize that giving just a few minutes of one's time or one's talents to help others can make such a big difference," said Wixson. "Personally, I love to give back. I know that some day I will be in need and hope that in the future that someone is as willing as I am to help out."

More details about the Volunteers are Central program can be found on its Web site, http://www.volunteer.cmich.edu/varecentral.php. To nominate an individual or group for recognition, complete the online nomination form. To learn more about CMU's nationally recognized Volunteer Center, visit http://www.volunteer.cmich.edu.